Mechanics and related workers at American Airlines might come under new union representation this summer as the Teamsters report having collected signatures from more than half of such employees. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, a coalition representing 80,000 airline workers throughout the US, plans to file documents with the National Mediation Board this week. If the Board finds the signatures valid, the workers will partake in a representation election that could force out the Transport Workers Union in favor of the Teamsters. Contest for representation was prompted by cost-cutting contract provisions implemented by American Airlines after the company filed for bankruptcy in 2011.
See "Teamsters union says American Airlines workers sign cards to force vote", Kyle Arnold, Tulsa World, May 27, 2013